Analysis of Titan IV Launch Responsiveness

This research investigates the feasibility of developing responsive space systems through responsive launch operations with the Titan IV, the only expendable heavy-lift launch vehicle in the United States inventory. A definition for responsive launch has not been firmly established by Air Force Space Command for this launch vehicle. For benchmark purposes, this study uses the responsive launch definition contained in the proposal request for the Medium Launch Vehicle Ill launch vehicle ignition within 60 days of mission need notification. Titan IV launch processing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station CCAFS, Florida currently requires in excess of six months, rendering Titan IV launch operations non-responsive. A Top-Down analysis of Titan IV launch processing at CCAFS is conducted to expose those factors which contribute to its current total duration. The factors considered are the time required for the assembly, testing, and transshipment activities associated with Titan IV launch operations. Analysis of improvements in these activities estimates their effect on Titan IV responsiveness. This study indicates that a Titan IV responsive launch capability may be attainable with improvements in processing activities, with a new launch processing concept of preprocessing, or with a combination of both. Titan IV, Cape Canaveral AFS, Launch Operations, Launch Processing, Responsive Launch, Launch Vehicle, Expendable Launch Vehicle, Top-Down Analysis.